21. Laina
The night is quieter than it should be.
After everything—the fight, the blood, the chaos—there should be more. More noise, tension, and proof of what we had just survived.
But instead, the clubhouse is calm.
The men are patched up, their wounds wrapped, bruises tended to. Ryder has a bandage across his temple. Liam’s knuckles are torn and raw, he’s resting them in a bowl of ice. Dagger quietly leans back in a chair, his fingers drumming against his thigh.
Ash—stubborn, relentless Ash—is sitting on the couch in the apartment, his arm stitched and wrapped, a fresh cut still drying along his jaw. His leg has been sewn up and fixed.
And me?
I should feel wrecked and exhausted. The weight of everything that happened should be pressing down on me, shoving me back into the fear, the pain, and the memories.
But I don’t, instead, for the first time in a long time, I feel safe like I belong. Like I’ve found something solid and real. Something like home.
Ash exhales slowly, dragging a hand down his face. He leans forward, elbows on his knees, his jaw set. “The Dead Demons are done. We lost too many men to Reynolds. We can’t rebuild from this.” He glances around the room, meeting our gazes, his voice is steady and unshakable. “So we’re joining the Hellfire Riders.”
Silence falls over the room.
“We’re, what?” I blurt out in shock, sitting up straighter.
Ash’s gaze flicks to me. “You heard me.”
The others don’t argue. They don’t challenge him.
Because they know he’s right.
“They lost men too.” His voice is rough but solid. “If we’re going to take this guy down, we need to do it together.”
The Dead Demons—gone? Just like that?
I exhale, trying to process it, but then Ash speaks again, this time, his focus is entirely on me.
“We’re going to need you, Laina.”
I blink. “Me?”
He leans back, studying me. “You think any of this works without you?”
I open my mouth, but he doesn’t let me speak.
“You belong here.” He lets the words settle, his voice unwavering. “With us.”
I feel Dagger, Liam, and Ryder all watching me.
And for the first time, I don’t panic under the weight of it because I do belong here. I do want this.
Ash’s voice drops, low and certain. “Stay with us, Laina.” His throat bobs once. “Live with us.” His fingers flex against his knee. “It won’t be the same if you’re not here.”
The words hit hard and suddenly, I knew exactly what I wanted.
I don’t hesitate or second-guess my move. I cross the space between us, grab Ash’s face in my hands, and kiss him hard. A yes written into every touch. His lips are hot against mine as his tongue slides between them. My heart thuds in my chest as he draws me against him.
“All that matters is that you’re here with us,” he murmurs against my ear.
“There’s nowhere I’d rather be.”
“Good,” Ryder adds walking toward us.
I catch all of their gazes and know what each means.
I pull back from the kiss with Ash, my hands still framing his face as I look deep into his eyes. "I'm not going anywhere," I tell him firmly. "This is where I belong now. With all of you."
Ash's lips curve into a rare, genuine smile. He leans in and rests his forehead against mine for a long moment before pulling back.
Ryder steps up beside us, draping an arm around my shoulders. "Damn right, you belong here. It's about time you figured that out."
I roll my eyes but can't help grinning. Liam and Dagger move in closer too, their presence feels solid and reassuring.
"We've got your back, Laina," Dagger says seriously. "Always."
Liam nods. "You're one of us now. So, no more running away."
“Which means you’re ours now,” Ryder whispers against my ear. His lips send a shiver of desire straight down my spine and pools liquid heat into my pussy.
All of them. Here. Right now.
It’s enough to make me break.
“Ours to kiss…” Dagger starts, drawing me away from the others and against his mouth.
The world around me melts away as Dagger's lips crash against mine. His kiss is hungry, and possessive, as if he's starved for me. I moan into the kiss, my hands tangling in his hair as I push closer. His fingers slip underneath my shirt, cupping and kneading my breast through the lace of my bra. The sensation sends a shiver racing down my spine, igniting a fire deep within me.
Lost in the intensity of our shared passion, I don't even notice that we're no longer standing until I feel the coolness of the leather couch against my back. Dagger's lips trail hot, open-mouthed kisses down my neck as his hand fumbles with the buttons of my pants. He pulls them down roughly, revealing my bare pussy beneath the black thong I wore tonight. He groans low in approval before his mouth is on my pussy, teasing mercilessly.
“Wait!” I start to squirm.
My eyes catch the other three watching. Ash’s cool eyes are locked on me. His chin tilted backward, watching beneath half-hooded eyes.
“Wait for what, Laina?” He asks me, as Dagger continues to eat me out, right there in front of them.
“I…ah…" I try to form words but instead arch my hips upwards, desperate for more contact as he nibbles on my clit and slips a finger inside me.
I break off with a moan as Dagger teases my clit relentlessly through my thong, sending shivers running through my entire body. Ash's eyes darken with desire.
"Dagger," he says, his voice low and commanding. "Let her up. We all want a turn.”
Dagger growls against my thigh but slowly inches away from me, his eyes never leaving mine. My core aches with need, my arousal soaked through my panties. I sit up, my breath coming out in pants as I look at the four of them standing before me.
Ryder grins, his blue eyes smoldering. "You sure you can handle us all?"
Liam's hands curl into fists at his sides. “We’re not going to hold back,” he warns.
My heart hammers wildly in my chest, but the fear is gone, replaced by something else entirely; desire, need, want. And most of all, belonging. These men were mine just as much as I was theirs.
We've fought so hard to get to this moment. The weight of it settles over us like a tangible thing, but there will be time for reflection later.
Ash grabs me by the hand and tugs me to my feet. Ryder and Liam flank me on either side, lips ghosting over my cheeks and neck, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake.
I can feel the heat radiating from each of them, and it only fuels my desires. I tug at Dagger's shirt, wanting to feel his skin on mine. He grins and helps me pull it over his head, revealing the hard planes of his chest and abs.
Ash's hands cup my breasts, pinching and teasing my nipples until they're hard peaks. His lips trail down my spine as Liam moves in front of me, capturing my lips in a fierce kiss. His tongue dances with mine, igniting a fire within me that I never knew existed.
I gasp as Ash's fingers slide under the elastic and dip into my wetness.
"Fuck," he groans against the curve of my neck. "You're so ready for us."
I throw my head back against his shoulder as Dagger's fingers join Ash's, rubbing small circles against my clit. Liam pulls away from our kiss to watch with dark eyes as Ryder sinks to his knees in front of me.
He hooks his fingers into the waistband of my panties and pulls them down slowly, torturously slow. My heart hammers in anticipation as I step out of them and kick them away.
Ryder doesn't waste any time before diving between my legs, his tongue lapping at my entrance while Dagger and Ash continue their relentless assault on my clit. I moan loudly as waves of pleasure rocket through me, making me lose all sense of time and space.
"I think we should take this to the bedroom," Liam suggests with a sly grin.
I nod eagerly, my body craving more than just their hands and mouths.
Dagger lifts me up effortlessly and carries me to the bedroom. The sheets are already turned down, the mattress invitingly rumpled and ready for our arrival. He lays me down gently, but there's still an unmistakable air of dominance about him as he looks down at me through hooded eyes.
Ash follows closely behind, his breathing ragged as he strips out of his clothes and joins us on the bed. His hands are warm and sure as he spreads my legs wider for Dagger's inspection.
Ryder and Liam enter next, their arousal evident as they stare down at us with hungry eyes. They each take a turn kissing me senseless.
"So fucking wet for us," Liam growls appreciatively, dipping a finger inside me and drawing out my wetness before placing it on his tongue. "Delicious."
Ryder doesn't waste any time and settles himself between my thighs, sealing his mouth over my aching core. I cry out in pleasure as his tongue plunges deep inside me, swirling and lapping at my sensitive walls. My hands fist in his hair, holding him in place as he devours me like a starving man.
Ash captures my lips in a searing kiss, swallowing my moans as his hands roam over my body possessively. Liam kisses my breasts, his teeth grazing my nipples and sending jolts of pleasure straight to my throbbing clit. Dagger's fingers dig into my hips as he watches Ryder bring me closer and closer to the edge.
"That's it baby, come for us," Ash rasps against my mouth. "Let go, we've got you."
His words combined with the relentless pleasurable assault from all sides send me flying over the precipice. I shatter with a hoarse cry, my body convulsing as waves of ecstasy crash over me again and again. Ryder laps at me through the aftershocks, prolonging my high until I collapse against the mound of pillows, utterly spent.
But they're far from done with me.
Liam flips me over onto my hands and knees, spreading my thighs wide. I feel the broad head of his cock nudging at my entrance and then with one hard thrust, he's inside me to the hilt. I cry out at the sudden fullness, my still fluttering walls clenching around his thick length. He sets a punishing pace, his fingers digging into my hips as he pounds into me from behind.
"Fuck, you're so tight," Liam grunts, snapping his hips harder. "Taking my cock so well, aren't you baby?"
I can only moan in response as I push my hips back to meet his thrusts. The sound of our flesh slapping together echoes obscenely through the room.
Dagger kneels in front of me, fisting his impressive erection. "Open up, sweetheart. I want that pretty mouth."
Obediently, I part my lips and he guides himself inside. I relax my throat, taking him deep as he starts to thrust. The dual sensation of being filled at both ends makes my head spin with lust.
Ryder's hands skim over my back before tangling in my hair. He tugs my head up, forcing me to meet his heated gaze. "Look at you, taking us all like a good little slut. This is what you were made for, isn't it? For us?"
His filthy words only heighten my arousal and I moan around Dagger's cock.
Ash drinks in the debauched sight of me, his eyes glittering with dark satisfaction. "Our woman," he says, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine.
Dagger pulls out of my mouth with a wet pop, allowing me to gasp for air. Liam continues his relentless pace, each hard thrust rubbing deliciously against that special spot deep inside me. I'm already teetering on the edge again, my body coiled tight and ready to explode.
Ash moves behind me, his hands replacing Liam's on my hips. Liam reluctantly withdraws, leaving me empty and aching. Ash guides me on top of him as he lays down on the bed, sliding me onto his impossibly enormous rock.
"Please," I whimper, looking over my shoulder at him with pleading eyes. "I need you, Ash."
Something molten and possessive flares in his gaze. "I know you do, baby. And I'm going to give you exactly what you need."
With that, he thrusts forward, burying himself in one powerful stroke. I nearly scream at the exquisite mix of pleasure and pain as he stretches me fuller than I've ever been. He starts to move, each thrust of his hips driving him impossibly deep.
Ryder tilts my chin up, forcing me to meet his heated stare.
“That’s a good girl.”
Liam’s hands are on my ass, guiding me up and down on Ash.
I gasp as Liam's slick finger circles my other entrance teasingly. The sensations are overwhelming; Ash pounding into me from below while Liam and Ryder caress my most intimate places. I feel surrounded, claimed, and completely owned by the four men I've come to trust with my body and soul.
"That’s it" Ash growls, punctuating his words with a particularly hard thrust that has me seeing stars. "Breathe, baby.”
I inhale and exhale, finding myself on the edge of madness from the pleasure.
Ryder captures my lips in a filthy kiss, tongue plundering my mouth. Then both he and Dagger stand before me, taking turns guiding my mouth onto their hard cocks, making me taste and suck each of them.
I'm lost, my world narrowed down to the feel of flesh against flesh, the rasp of their labored breathing, and the erotic words whispered against my fevered skin. They play my body like a finely tuned instrument, pushing me higher and higher until I'm shattering around them, screaming my release.
“Keep breathing, Laina,” Ash instructs slowing his thrusts while Liam pushes his hard length inside me, stretching me carefully.
"That's it, just relax," Liam coaxes, his fingers moving gently but insistently. "Let me in, sweetheart. I'm going to make you feel so good."
Whimpering, I rock back against his hand, silently begging for more. I've never felt so wanton, so completely debased and shameless in my need. And I've never felt more alive.
When Liam finally sinks into my tight rear passage, I nearly black out from the overwhelming intensity. He stills, letting me adjust to the foreign sensation of being stretched and filled so completely. Ash continues his slow, deep strokes, the dual stimulation sending me hurtling toward another mind-blowing climax.
"Fuck, you're incredible," Ash pants, his fingers digging into my hips almost painfully. "Taking us both so perfectly. Like you were made for this, for us."
Then they start to move in tandem, thrusting in and out of my aching body, claiming me inside and out.
Ryder and Dagger take turns thrusting into my eager mouth as I balance on my elbows, sucking and licking hungrily.
I can only moan in assent around them, my mind hazing with lust. Ash and Liam continue their synchronized thrusts, stroking that spot inside me that makes me see stars. The wet sounds of flesh meeting flesh mingle with harsh masculine grunts and my muffled cries.
It's too much; the stretch, the fullness, the complete surrender. I shatter with a keening wail, my body locking up as ecstasy crashes over me in unrelenting waves. They work me through it mercilessly, wringing out every last tremor and aftershock until I collapse, boneless and spent.
One by one they find their own releases, painting my skin with the evidence of their pleasure. When they finally withdraw, I'm an utterly debauched mess; bruised, swollen, sticky, and thoroughly used. But I've never felt more sated or whole.
Ash draws me into his arms, “How was that?” He asks.
I smile up at him drowsily, my body humming with blissful satisfaction. "That was... incredible," I murmur. "I've never felt anything like that before. Like I truly belong, body and soul."
Ash presses a tender kiss on my forehead. "You do belong, Laina. With us. We'll always take care of you."
The others gather around, their hands caressing me reverently as they echo Ash's sentiment. In their arms, I feel cherished, protected, and desired. The broken pieces of my past seem to mend, replaced by a sense of acceptance and wholeness.
"Thank you," I whisper, my eyes fluttering closed as exhaustion starts to pull me under. "For everything."
The night is quiet.
Not the kind of quiet that feels empty, or the kind that presses in with the weight of what’s been lost. No, this is something different. It’s warm and steady and hums with the certainty that—for once—nothing is lurking in the dark, waiting to snatch it all away.
I shift beneath the sheets, muscles pleasantly sore, my body still humming from the way they had taken me apart and put me back together again. I can feel Ash beside me, his warmth radiating through the thin space between us. His breathing is slow and even. One arm draped over his head, the other resting loosely against my waist.
I don’t know if the others are asleep yet. They’re somewhere nearby, but Ash asked me to stay with him tonight.
I stare at the ceiling, at the soft glow of moonlight filtering in through the curtains, and let the thoughts come. The ones I’ve kept at bay for so long.
I never thought I’d be here.
Not just in this room, tangled in Ash’s sheets, but here; alive and looking forward to the future. For so long, I thought my story had already been written, the ending inevitable, the kind that ended in blood and fear and running.
But I was wrong.
This isn’t an ending at all.
It’s the beginning of something new.
Something real.
The Dead Demons are gone, their chapter is closed. The Hellfire Riders have taken in the remaining bikers and together, they’ll be stronger than before. Strong enough to take down Reynolds when the time comes.
Because that part isn’t over yet.
But I’m not afraid anymore.
Not when I have Ash, Ryder, Liam, and Dagger at my back.
Not when I have a family, a home, a future that stretches out ahead of me, full of possibilities I never let myself dream of.
I turn on my side and press closer to Ash, letting the steady rise and fall of his chest lull me into something warm and safe.
Maybe we’ll get a quiet life after this.
Maybe we won’t.
But no matter what comes next, I know one thing for certain.
I’m not running anymore.
I don’t have to.
Because this time, I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.